ABSTRACT
The outstanding achievements of horticulturists to increase the yields of fruit crops and the improvements in communications and transport have encouraged the development of the relatively new science of postharvest preservation of fresh fruits. Consumers have become accustomed to being able to buy fruits throughout the year, probably without realizing the full extent of the research effort which has made this possible. In the natural course of events the season during which most fruits can be consumed is relatively short, and only rigorous control of the life processes of the fruit have enabled the continuous supply of fresh fruit to markets around the world throughout the year.
